Validating Chemistry

[jalusna2016]

Does anyone have any advice/experience concerning validating chemistry at USNA? For example, validating Chem I vs. Chem I and II, how the course at USNA may vary from the AP course, and how validating out of plebe chem may affect workload, schedule, etc. Thank you!

 

[meateater5175]

I took Chemistry I at my college and I'm planning on trying to validate it at the Academy -- does anyone know how difficult it is to validate the course after taking college chemistry?

 

[usna1985]

If things are still the same, you take a validation test during plebe summer. I believe that those who took college chemistry typically validate at least one semester and, depending on the rigor of your courses, often both semesters. It really depends on your and the how your college course compared to what USNA expects you to have mastered.

 

[osdad]

Validate as many classes as you can as it increases your options. There's really no downside though some will say that taking a class that you know you'll ace is good for your GPA. I tend to disagree with that as boredom is contagious and could spread to other classes.

My Youngster validated plebe chem and calc and is happy she did so. Of course she got to take physics and dif equ so no cruising through at the NA.

 

[william2337]

I took Chemistry I at my college and I'm planning on trying to validate it at the Academy -- does anyone know how difficult it is to validate the course after taking college chemistry?

Ballonattack991,
I'm in the same boat as you (I took a year of gen chem and o-chem at a civilian college). I've haven't taken the validation tests yet, but I saw the syllabi for plebe chem 1 & 2 online. 1 was the same as my gen chem 1 and 2 was almost the same minus some more Navy-specific examples (corrosion, nuclear reactions, etc.).

I would guess that if you can do well on the ACS gen chem exams, you'll have a good chance of validating (ACS makes standardized finals for freshmen chem courses).

 

[2012mom?]

DD validated several classes (English, calc, chem, French) as a result of either AP score or validation test results the first few days of Plebe summer. There is a matrix on the USNA web site that shows the validation requirements for various classes. It's under academics. It's also in at least one old thread, probably several, on this site.

Validation and workload: Validation doesn't make a huge difference to workload, since everyone must carry at least 15 hours/semester, even if they have completed all requirements for their degree. Still, 15 hours can be a lot easier to manage than 18 or 20 hours. What validation does do is open holes in your schedule to take interesting electives, or to do research during 1/C year, or to start a Master's degree.

A word of caution to those who think it will be easier to NOT validate: Do not think that you can get by without proper study, even if you're taking "a class you've taken before."